Wicked West Fest Is Back; Here's What's In Store For 2026

WESTMONT, IL — Westmont's popular Wicked West Fest kicked off its 2026 season on Oct. 2 and will last through the month of October, with pumpkin smashing, a haunted forest tour and the Caskets on Cass race among the activities planned.

Halloween Costume Contest

Oct. 17 at 10 a.m.

Downtown Westmont

Signup starts at 10 a.m. for the 2026 West Fest Halloween Costume Contest, with participants able to vie for glory in seven different categories.

Trick of Treat Trail

Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Downtown Westmont

Local shops and restaurants will pass out candy to trick-or-treaters in Westmont's downtown business district.

Pumpkin Smash Extravaganza

Oct. 17 at 11 a.m.

Downtown Westmont

The Westmont Fire Department will have a 20-foot tall bucket truck on hand to take participants high above a target they can throw pumpkins at.

Caskets on Cass

Oct. 17 at 12: 30 p.m.

Cass Avenue in Downtown Westmont

Teams can make their own casket and race down Cass Avenue in the annual Caskets on Cass competition. The Westmont Chamber of Commerce also has caskets available for teams that don't make their own. The entrance fee is $25. Click the link to register for Caskets on Cass.

Haunted Forest Tour

Oct. 17 from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Diane Main Park

For $9, residents can take a wagon ride past haunted sights in Smith Woods. Parents are encouraged to bring younger kids between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., when the frights are slightly less frightening. After 7 p.m., though, things get really scary.

Costume & Craft

Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Westmont Public Library

Kids up to age six are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to enjoy arts and crafts and story time at Westmont Public Library.

Mystery & Horror in the Golden Age of Radio

Oct. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Westmont Public Library

Steve Darnell, a radio historian, will present clips from popular radio horror and mystery shows. Darnell will discuss the history of these shows and the techniques they used to create immersive scary stories. This event is geared toward adults.

Spooktacular Fun Night

Oct. 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Westmont Park District Community Center

This family-friendly event features an appearance from "Wacky Drac," along with Halloween-themed games and crafts.